Crystal River is a gem of the Nature Coast with actions that may be loved with out spending a single penny. From pure springs to wildlife commentary, this information will introduce you to one of the best free issues to do in Crystal River, Florida. Whether or not you’re a nature lover, a historical past buff, or simply trying to loosen up, this picturesque area presents an array of experiences that received’t price you something however time.
Uncover Pure Splendor at Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is a part of the Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, and it is among the hottest pure sights of Crystal River. Whereas there’s a small charge wanted to enter the springs, you could obtain a reduction on entry with a Federal Lands Cross, Nationwide Park Cross, or Duck Stamp. Entry additionally features a free shuttle to the springs, and manatees can greatest be noticed on the springs between November and April every year.
Actions at Three Sisters Springs embrace strolling the boardwalk, which permits viewing entry to mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles that dwell within the springs. Swimming within the springs can also be allowed for many who need to kayak into the springs from both Hunter Springs Park or King’s Bay Park. Entry into the springs from a ship doesn’t require any charges, but it surely is not going to permit you to entry the boardwalk both.
Wildlife Encounters: Manatee Watching on a Funds
Crystal River is the one location in Florida that permits guests to swim amongst manatees. Whereas swimming with manatees might be achieved without spending a dime by boating into Three Sisters Springs, you too can see manatees up shut for a small charge at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. At this park, there’s an underwater observatory that permits guests to see manatees underneath the floor from a sundeck viewing space. The very best time to view manatees right here is within the winter when these animals flock to the springs for heat, and one of the best time of day to identify them is within the morning.
Step Again in Time: Crystal River Archaeological State Park
For simply $3 per automobile, you’ll be able to discover one among Florida’s longest constantly occupied websites at Crystal River Archeological State Park. This park is dwelling to a nationwide historic landmark made up of burial mounds, temple mounds, and a big midden filled with historic shells. A museum can also be open inside the park from Thursdays to Mondays that can assist you study in regards to the individuals who lived right here as much as 1,600 years in the past.
Interact With Nature on the Crystal River Protect State Park Trails
There isn’t any charge required to enter Crystal River Protect State Park, and it’s a top-rated Florida park for its path system. Some of the standard trails of the park is the Eco-walk Path, which is a 2-mile loop that includes 11 Discovery Zones that are supposed to offer you outside sensory expertise suggestions. Different trails you’ll be able to hike embrace the Dixie Shores Path, Fort Island Path, Lake Loop Path, Hammock Island Path, Primitive Path, and the Churchhouse Hammock Boardwalk. The Churchouse Hammock Boardwalk can also be standard because it explores an space present process habitat restoration for gopher tortoises and fox squirrels.
Recognizing Native Chicken Species
You’ll be able to determine numerous native wildlife, together with birds, at Crystal River’s many parks. A number of the most typical species you’ll spot embrace wooden geese, wild turkeys, mourning doves, ruby-throated hummingbirds, killdeers, and willets.
Scenic Biking Routes
The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Path runs by means of Citrus County, the place Crystal River resides, and it’s generally utilized by cyclists year-round. This path explores scenic forest and lake areas, and it runs by means of many small cities alongside the coast. For mountain biking, you too can try the numerous trails in Withlacoochee State Forest and at Crystal River Protect State Park. For added mountain biking alternatives, try close by Ocala Nationwide Forest.
Dive Into Native Tradition on the Coastal Heritage Museum
The Coastal Heritage Museum in Crystal River is a must-see for native historical past buffs. This museum, housed inside a good looking stone constructing, options artifacts, reveals, pictures, and furnishings from the early settlement interval of Citrus County. Entry to the museum is free, and it’s open Wednesdays by means of Saturdays.
Public Artwork and Murals in Crystal River
There are various artwork galleries in Crystal River that you would be able to uncover without spending a dime, together with the Coastal Artwork Gallery. This gallery is dwelling to glass artwork, pottery, work, and pictures items, and the gallery itself is owned by a bunch of native artists. Different galleries you’ll be able to try embrace the Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts, Spirit of Crystal River Gallery, and Paint the City Citrus.
In relation to murals, Crystal River and its neighboring cities in Citrus County have over 20 of them for the general public to see. One standard mural is “The Kraken” on the Salty Women Seashore Store constructing, designed by William Mickey. “The Journey Begins Right here” is one other mural that includes reasonable manatees on the aspect of the Explorida Retailer and Manatee Excursions constructing in Crystal River.
Expertise Native Festivities for Free
Crystal River is dwelling to many annual festivals, together with the Florida Manatee Pageant in January. This options manatee excursions in addition to dwell music, meals distributors, and effective artwork distributors downtown. In October, you’ll be able to attend the Heritage Village Scarecrow Pageant, which options hayrides, pumpkin patches, and pony rides. Different annual occasions embrace the Floral Metropolis Strawberry Pageant in March, the Homosassa River Fireworks Fest and Poker Run in June, the 4th of July Celebration in July, the Crystal River Christmas Tree Lighting Pageant in December, and Floral Metropolis Heritage Days in December.
Calm down and Unwind at Hunter Springs Park
Greatest Spots to Finish Your Day
Hunter Springs Park is situated proper in Crystal River, and it’s one other spot to see manatees. You may as well cease by the park to view sunsets on the seaside, use the boat launch space, or go swimming throughout posted hours.
Picnicking Paradise Places
Whereas Hunter Springs Park does have a picnic space with grills so that you can use, it isn’t the one picnic web site on the town. Only a few of the opposite native parks that present free picnic spots embrace Little Springs Park, Yeoman Park, Copeland Group Park, and Crystal River City Sq..
A Information to Crystal River’s Free Household-Pleasant Spots
Playgrounds and Public Areas
Hunter Springs Park is a metropolis park of Crystal River that’s identified for its pure springs and a public seaside. A picnic web site can also be discovered right here, and there’s a playground. One other standard location is Kings Bay Park, which has picnic tables and grills, a playground, and a waterfront view. Each of those parks enable non-motorized boating and have boat launch areas.
Ideas for Navigating Crystal River in Your RV
Some locations you’d like to go to in Crystal River could not have parking out there for big autos and RVs. For instance, RVs will not be permitted at Hunter Springs Park, so you could think about renting an additional automobile for journey to and out of your campsite, or you could need to take taxis or a neighborhood bus system to get round.
Crystal River, Florida is full of alternatives for journey and rest that don’t require a ticket or a charge. Whether or not it’s manatee watching, exploring state parks, or having fun with native tradition, you’ll be able to at all times discover free actions to take advantage of out of your Florida journey. For much more enjoyment with out breaking the financial institution, think about making your Crystal River journey in an RV rental from RVShare. In an RV, you’ll be able to keep in a campground close to Tampa and Crystal River that’s proper within the lovely native setting with all of the comforts of dwelling.
